7 ways to get rid of ingrown hairs for good

I don't need to tell you how annoying ingrown hairs can be. If you've ever had one you'll know just how painful, itchy and irritating they are. According to the NHS, these pesky little things happen when "hairs have curled round and grown back into the skin", which can lead to red, itchy spots and whiteheads. Niiice.

Ingrown hairs can crop up anywhere, from the legs to the bikini line and under arms to the jawline, so how do we get rid of them? Follow our 7 expert tips and put a stop to those oh-so irritating bumps, once and for all...

1. Exfoliate often

According to the NHS "an ingrown hair can occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells". This clogging can force a hair to grow sideways (ouch), but regular exfoliation (once a week) will help prevent that build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Opt for Ameliorate's Smoothing Body Exfoliant, the combination of lactic acid and physical micro-dermabrasion granules make it seriously effective at dissolving those 'dead, follicle-clogging cells'. It'll leave skin smoother and less prone to ingrown hairs.

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2. Consider hair removal creams

Shaving is the biggest culprit for triggering ingrown hairs, this is because 'when the hair grows back, it has a sharper edge and can easily poke back into the skin'. The NHS recommends the simplest way to prevent them "is to let your hair grow freely without shaving it". But if that's not an option, it's worth trying a sensitive hair removal cream like Veet's BodyCurv, instead.

3. If you are going to shave, use the best blade

Remember peeps, disposable razors are just that - disposable. We've all been there, that yellow Bic razor has been lurking in the corner of your shower for wayyy to long, and yet you reach for it anyway. The next day, your bod is shaving rash central... That's because disposable razors aren't deigned for long-term use, the blades can dull quickly and leave you with an uneven, bumpy shave - which will only exasperate the ingrown hair sitch. Gillette's Venus razors come highly recommended by the majority of reviewers on FeelUnique.com (and who are we to argue), just remember to invest in a couple of extra razor heads so you aren't tempted to reuse the same one over and over.

Another option is to invest in an electrical shaver. Magnitone's Go Bare Shaver won't give you as close of a shave as a manual wet razor, but it's almost as good (take it from someone who knows). And, because it doesn't cut the hair quite as close to the skin it pretty much guarantees you won't get any ingrowers or itchy regrowth.

So if you aren't fussy about feeling 110% smooth, it might be worth trading off to an electrical option for day-to-day, and keeping your wet razor for special occasions only.

4. Remember shaving cream

If you're using a manual razor it's oh-so important to find a good shaving cream. It will give an extra slip to the skin ensuring blades don't drag, and meaning you can avoid irritating any sensitive spots. Opt for an alcohol-free, sensitive formula, to prevent drying out your skin.

5. Go in the right direction

Shaving in the opposite direction to the hair growth means each hair will be cut at a sharper angle, and is therefore more likely to grow back under the skin. Remember to shave in the same direction as hair growth to prevent this from happening.

6. Post-shave treatment

There are a whole host of 'post-shave' products out there, some good, some not-so good. Skin Doctors Ingrow Go actually does what it says on the bottle. The formula contains Acetylsalisylic Acid, an anti-inflammatory; and Glycolic Acid, to help dissolve any build up of dead skin cells from the surface of the dermis and prevent pores clogging and ingrown hairs.

7. Aaand if you do find yourself with an ingrown hair...

You did everything right, but there it is, an angry red spot staring up at you. Firstly, avoid the temptation to squeeze it, as you could end up pushing the hair deeper into the skin, or you could spread bacteria into the pores triggering an infection.

Often minor ingrown hairs can be left alone and they'll usually go away without you having to do anything. However, if the hair is close to the skin and you can see it, the NHS recommend "using a sterile needle or tweezers to gently tease it out. However, don't dig for the hair if it lies deep below the skin's surface." If in doubt though, leave it alone and contact your GP. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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